04.10.24 OSBT PacketOpen Space Board of Trustees
April 10, 2024
This meeting will have virtual attendance only for members from the public.
MEETING AGENDA
(Please note that times are approximate.)
I.(6:00)Call to Order and Roll Call
II. (6:05)Matters from the Board
A.Welcoming new Trustee and Oath of Office
B.OSBT Office Elections
C.Outgoing Board Member proclamation
D.Trustee questions on Written Information items
III. (6:45)Approval of the Minutes
IV. (6:50)Public Comment for Items not Identified for Public Hearing
V.(6:55)Matters from the Department
A.Volunteerism, Service Learning and Partnerships Update and
Declaration to Honor OSMP Volunteers During National Volunteer
Week April 21-27, 2024 (40 min)
B.Marshall Mesa Trailhead Improvements and Colorado Division of
Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) Project Update (45 min)
C.Update on South Mesa Trailhead Renovation (30 min)
D.Director Verbal Updates (5 min)
VI. (8:55)Adjourn
Written Information
A.Wildfire Resilient Landscapes: Update on OSMP's Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)
Fuels Management efforts
B.Funded Research Program Update
C.CO Highway 7 (Arapahoe Road) Multi-Modal Corridor Study
D.Draft 2025 Work Plan and Budget
Open Space Board of Trustees
Members:
Harmon Zuckerman
(2023-2025)
Michelle Estrella
(2021-2026)
Jon Carroll
(2022-2027)
Brady Robinson
(2023-2028)
Sarah Glynn
(2024-2029)
Open Space Board of Trustees
*TENTATIVE Board Items Calendar
(Updated March 25, 2024)
May 8, 2024 June 12, 2024 June OSBT Field Trip
(Date TBD)
July 10, 2024
Matters from the Board:
• Trustee questions on
Written Memo items or
public comment (10
min)
Action Items:
Matters from the Department:
• Update on the North
Foothills (HWY 36)
Bikeway feasibility
study (45 min)
• Wildfire Resilient
Landscapes: Update on
Wildland Urban
Interface (WUI)
Wildfire Mitigation Pilot
Program (40 min)
• 2025 Budget Update:
First touch with the
OSBT (40 min)
• Sawhill Ponds
Improvement Projects
Update (30 min)
• Director verbal updates
(5 min)
Matters from the Board:
• Trustee questions on
Written Memo items or
public comment (10 min)
Action Items:
• Assigning Management
Area Designations to
specific Open Space and
Mountain Parks properties
that are without a
designation: Groups 2 and
3 (40 min)
Matters from the Department:
• 2025 budget Update: 2nd
touch with OSBT (45 min)
• Bear Habitat Suitability
and On-leash trail
regulations evaluation (30
min)
• Climbing Access Trail
Management Update (30
min)
Theme: OSMP
Agricultural Program
Date and Location TBD
Matters from the Board:
• Trustee questions on
Written Memo items
or public comment (10
min)
Action Items:
• Recommendation for
2025 budget (50 min)
• Fort Chambers-Poor
Farm Site
Management Plan (45
mins)
Matters from the
Department:
• Boulder to Erie
Regional Trail
(BERT) Update (45
min)
*All items are subject to change. A final version of the agenda is posted on the webpage the week of the
OSBT meeting.
OPEN SPACE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Action Minutes
Meeting Date March 13, 2024
Record of this meeting can be found here: https://bouldercolorado.gov/government/watch-board-
meetings (video start times are listed below next to each agenda item).
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Dave Kuntz, Chair
Michelle Estrella, Vice-Chair
Jon Carroll
Brady Robinson
Harmon Zuckerman
OSMP STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
Dan Burke Jeff Haley Jennelle Freeston Heather Swanson Lauren Kilcoyne
Leah Russell Sam McQueen Bethany Collins Don D’Amico
GUESTS
Representatives from Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Nations: Chester Whiteman, Fred Mosqueda and Ben
Ridgley
Janet Michels, Senior Council, City Attorney’s Office
Teresa Tate, City Attorney, City Attorney’s Office
Joe Taddeucci, Director, Utilities
Brandon Coleman, Civil Engineer Manager, Utilities
AGENDA ITEM 1 – Call to Order and Roll Call
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM 2 – Fort Chambers/Poor Farm (1:00)
Dan Burke, Open Space and Mountain Parks Director, Kacey French, Planning and Design Senior
Manager, and Katie Knapp, Principal Planner, presented this item. Staff and the board welcomed
designated representatives from Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Nations to join this meeting and
discussion.
AGENDA ITEM 3 – Approval of the Minutes (1:00:00)
Michelle Estrella moved the Open Space Board of Trustees to adopt the minutes from February 14, 2024.
seconded. This motion passed four to zero; Jon Carroll abstained as he was absent last meeting.
AGENDA ITEM 4 – Public Participation for Items not Identified for Public Hearing (1:02:42)
Hal Hallstein spoke about the disposal process for open space land.
AGENDA ITEM 5 – Matters from the Board (1:12:44)
The board asked about the “Shanahan Tall Oatgrass Project Update.” Questions asked were about
resource impacts related to cattle being on the land, effects of fire on tall oat grass, if grazing has more of
a lasting impact than prescribed burns, and if there has been any change in native grass growth yet in this
area.
The board reviewed their response to City Council’s inquiry of what “what two to three community issues
or opportunities are on OSBT's minds in 2024.”
Michelle Estrella moved the Open Space Board of Trustees to request staff submit these priorities
to City Council on their behalf. Jon Carroll seconded. This motion passed unanimously.
Staff and the board acknowledged Dave Kuntz for his tenure on the Board. While the March OSBT
meeting is his last meeting, his proclamation will be read during the April OSBT meeting.
AGENDA ITEM 6 – Continuation of the February 22, 2024 Public Hearing to consider a request
from the City of Boulder’s Utilities department to use and manage an approximately 2.2-acre
portion of the Van Vleet Open Space property to construct, access, operate and maintain elements
of the South Boulder Creek Flood Mitigation Project, pursuant to the disposal procedures of
Article XII, Section 177 of the City of Boulder Charter, and related matters (1:29:47)
Bethany Collins, Real Estate Senior Manager, Joe Taddeucci, Director of Utilities, Brandon Coleman,
Utilities Civil Engineer Manager, and Don D’Amico, Senior Resource Project Manager, presented this
item. The meeting held on Feb. 22 consisted of a staff presentation, clarifying questions from City
Council and OSBT, and public testimony. During this meeting, the OSBT discussed remaining thoughts
and considerations from the February meeting and deliberated on the staff recommendation regarding this
matter.
Motion
Jon Carroll moved the Open Space Board of Trustees to adopt Resolution 2024-01 and approve and
recommend that City Council approve the request from the City of Boulder’s Utilities Department
to use and manage an approximately 2.2-acre portion of the Van Vleet Open Space property to
construct, access, operate and maintain elements of the South Boulder Creek Flood Mitigation
Project, pursuant to the disposal procedures of City Charter, Article XII, Sec. 177. Michelle
Estrella seconded. This motion passed unanimously.
Harmon Zuckerman moved the Open Space Board of Trustees recommend a statement
emphasizing to staff the importance of public access and recreation in the project area:
Recognizing the intense public desire for continued use of the "CU South" property, OSBT
recommends to OSMP staff that it pursue avenues to keep recreational access open on the 119 acre
OS-O Site prior to and until restoration and/or construction on the OS-O Site begins.
After the restoration of the OS-O Site, site planning and public access should be a priority. OSBT
therefore recommends that public recreational access be restored as soon as practicable and at
levels which appropriately balance conservation, restoration, and recreational needs. To facilitate
the foregoing, OSMP should work with the University of Colorado to keep recreational access open
to CU’s remaining lands.
The OS-O Site represents not only a great opportunity for riparian restoration and reconnection of
the South Boulder Creek floodplain, but also a great recreational and interpretive opportunity for
the public. Allowing the public to observe, at close range, the restoration of floodplain and the
native ecosystem on the OS-O Site, and also to invite the public to recreate there, as the public has
for decades, is vital to achieving the balance of open space land for open space purposes which is
specified in the Charter.
Michelle Estrella seconded. This motion passed 4-1; Dave Kuntz dissented noting he supported the
concept but felt it needed further vetting.
AGENDA ITEM 7 – Request for a recommendation to City Council on the proposed annexation of
approximately 4.06 acres of land located at 5600 Table Mesa Drive, currently managed as open
space within Area III and designated as Open Space-Acquired (OS-A) under the Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan (3:21:30)
Bethany Collins, Real Estate Senior Manager, presented this item.
The board asked why US 36 was included in the annexation and how the annexation statue allows for
annexation of streets and right-of-way adjacent to the portion of property being added. Harmon added that
removing the multi-jurisdictional aspect of this is good.
Public Comment
Lynn Segal spoke against this annexation.
Motion
Jon Caroll moved the Open Space Board of Trustees to recommend that City Council approve the
annexation of approximately 4.06 acres of land located at 5600 Table Mesa Drive (LUR2024-
00001), currently managed as open space within Area III and designated as Open Space-Acquired
(OS-A) under the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. Harmon Zuckerman seconded. This motion
passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
These draft minutes were prepared by Leah Russell
MEMORANDUM
TO: Open Space Board of Trustees
FROM: Dan Burke, Director, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Jennelle Freeston, Deputy Director of Community Connections
Debbie Cushman, Volunteerism and Service Learning Program Manager
Kris Weinberger, Volunteerism and Service Learning Program Manager
Natasha Steinmann, Volunteerism and Service Learning Senior Program Manager
Beau Clark, Trails Program Manager
DATE: April 10, 2024
SUBJECT: Volunteerism, Service Learning and Partnerships Update and Declaration to Honor OSMP
Volunteers During National Volunteer Week April 21-27, 2024
Introduction
The purpose of this memo and the upcoming presentation to the Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) on
April 10 is twofold: to share Volunteerism, Service Learning and Partnerships (VSLP) workgroup key 2023
accomplishments; and a declaration to honor Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) volunteers in
celebration of National Volunteer Week 2024.
Master Plan Alignment
VSLP staff involve the community in hands-on land management and conservation work that supports
OSMP Master Plan priorities. In 2023, the VSLP team continued working and developing partners in
stewardship within the larger community to implement the OSMP Master Plan.
The OSMP Master Plan guides VSLP programming for the department. The main policy guidance is under
the focus area CCEI: Community Connections, Education, and Inclusion with this community value
statement:
Together, we build an inclusive community of stewards and
seek to find our place in open space.
In 2023, the Volunteer, Service Learning and Partnership team offered programs and projects that primarily
originate from and are informed by the following CCEI outcomes and strategies:
•CCEI.B) FULFILLING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
•CCEI.C) LIFETIME CONNECTIONS WITH NATURE
•CCEI.E) ENGAGED YOUTH INSPIRED BY NATURE
•CCEI.F) PROMOTING EQUITY AND INCLUSION
•CCEI.1) WELCOME DIVERSE BACKGRONDS AND ABILITIES
•CCEI.2) ENHANCE COMMUNICATION WITH VISITORS
•CCE1.3) CONNECT YOUTH TO THE OUTDOORS
•CCEI.7) CULTIVATE LEADERS IN STEWARDSHIP
•CCEI. 8) HEIGHTEN COMMUNITY UNDERSTANDING OF LAND MANAGEMENT
EFFORTS
Agenda Item 5A Page 1
On-the-ground VSLP programs and projects also support the achievement and progress towards outcomes
and strategies from the other Master Plan focus areas: Ecosystem Health and Resilience (EHR), Agriculture
Today and Tomorrow (ATT), Responsible Recreation, Stewardship and Enjoyment (RRSE), and Financial
Sustainability (FS). Examples of how implementation is being achieved will be further covered in the 2023
VSLP Annual Report (Attachment A).
Volunteer Services Highlights
In 2023, volunteers helped to inform visitors, engage youth, connect with the land through hands-on
projects, monitor wildlife, and protect the resources that make OSMP a special place. Over 1,707
volunteers contributed 19,537 hours, equaling $671,291 in value which is the equivalent to 13 full
time staff (FTE). As mentioned above, OSMP volunteers contributed their time and unique talents to
support OSMP’s Master Plan goals and departmental priorities. For example, ambassador volunteers
made over 65,000 public contacts, welcoming and assisting visitors at trailheads, on trails and at the
Ranger Cottage and Flagstaff Nature Center, which supports CCEI.2, as well as OSMP’s goal to have
uniformed presence on the land.
The 2023 Volunteer Satisfaction Survey indicated that the majority of volunteers were highly or moderately
satisfied with volunteering and gave their overall satisfaction of a 4.6 out of 5-star rating. This is consistent
with previous years. Nancy Lindo, OSMP volunteer said, “The respect and admiration I have for the OSMP
land, staff, and volunteers has grown exponentially since I got involved. I would highly recommend that each
person who enjoys recreating on OSMP land should spend a few hours a year giving back to these areas that
we love. The more involved we are, the more care we will take to preserve these areas for future
generations.”
At the April 10 OSBT meeting, VSLP staff will be covering a number of 2023 volunteerism highlights, such
as:
•A Dog Ambassador Pilot Program that trained 9 volunteers, along with 7 dogs to focus on outreach
specifically to dog guardians about dog behavior, safety and interactions. This program joined the
other 130 Visitor Ambassadors, Trail Ambassadors and Bike Ambassadors who shared with the
public advice and safety recommendations for trail use and natural resource protection, as well as
reported problems to staff such as down trees and infrastructure damage.
•Raptor and Bat Monitors spent many field hours out on the land counting and reporting on animal
presence and behavior. This information is utilized by OSMP ecologists to make resource
management decisions. Raptor monitors give one of the highest hourly amounts of all the volunteer
groups!
•Natural Resource Stewardship groups in the Skunk Canyon area as well as near Boulder Community
Hospital pulled invasive weeds to increase native species resiliency.
•Education Naturalists led school and community programs on specific topics while sharing their
passion of OSMP.
•Wellness Volunteers, including one yoga volunteer, accessible bike helpers and three trained
naturalists who work with OSMP’s Pathways partnership program at Boulder Community Health
shared nature as a healing environment for the community.
•Two volunteer photographers documented over 10 one-day volunteer projects and RTW Crew
operations, as well as started photographing OSMP program volunteers in action.
•Trails staff offered community One-Day Volunteer Trail Projects, serving corporations and
organizations, and 18 “Trail work Tuesdays & Wednesdays.” The Trails team also focused on
construction of the North Sky Trail as well as closing undesignated trails system-wide with volunteer
groups. Trails staff work closely with local groups such as Boulder MountainBike Alliance (BMA),
Agenda Item 5A Page 2
Flatirons Climbing Council (FCC), Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC), Boulder Climbing
Council (BCC) and more.
•Requests for One-Day Volunteer Projects (ODVP) from businesses and organizations increased both
from requests as well as from OSMP generated community-based public projects such as riparian
area litter cleanups, native seed collections, and forestry projects.
•Several individuals made longer-term commitments to steward the land. Check out the most recent
OSMP Volunteer Spotlight that features volunteers who went above and beyond.
•The Equity and Inclusion Field Based Agricultural Wellness Programming for Teens won the City of
Boulder’s innovation values award. This multilayered partnership program involves Avani Diliger,
MEd, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, CACIII, ADS, Founder and Executive Director of Boulder Natural
Highs, and OSMP Agriculture Tenants, Daphne Kingsley and Cameron Genter, from Light Root
Community Farm. This is a hands-on opportunity for teens to cultivate, grow and harvest an herbal
apothecary for a holistic approach to wellness and recovery while also learning about the OSMP
agricultural program.
Service-Learning Highlights
112 Junior Rangers worked 614 crew hours (that’s over 6,390 individual hours contributed!) on high
priority OSMP projects including 1.08 miles of new trail construction, cleared the trail corridor of
2,200 linear feet of existing trail, created, removed, or repaired 15,576 feet of fence, and more. The
Junior Ranger Program continued a partnership with Nature Kids Boulder to provide family
programming in Spanish & English to help introduce youth and their families to the Junior Ranger
Program – resulting in more applications and hires from underrepresented communities. Finally,
Junior Ranger staff continued collaborating with Parks and Recreation’s Youth Services Initiative
(YSI) program to offer a paid summer opportunity for middle school age youth.
The Bridgehouse Ready to Work and Ready to Work Light contract crews (RTW/RTWL) worked 188
project days, supporting OSMP’s water resources, vegetation management, forestry, trailheads,
restoration, and agricultural teams. Key accomplishments included clearing over 13 miles of ditch to
support water resources and agricultural priorities, removing thousands of feet of barbed wire,
planting hundreds of forbes for restoration, and removing pounds of invasive species and hundreds of
tons of cattails.
Partnership Highlights
VSLP staff coordinated with the citywide partnership resource team as well as the OSMP partnership core
team to share resources to support OSMP partnerships. One highlight is that the Boulder Open Space
Conservancy (BOSC), OSMP’s official 501c3 partner, raised a total of $57,000 for OSMP in 2023. The
donations raised were: $30,000 for the Mt. Sanitas restoration project, $3,800 for the Maddy Lignell Junior
Ranger Memorial Fund, $22,200 for re-wilding and climate resilience, and $1,000 for Volunteer Services.
Declaration for National Volunteer Week
Below is the Declaration for National Volunteer Week and Open Space and Mountain Parks staff asks the
Open Space Board of Trustees join them in honoring these dedicated people during National Volunteer Week
with a declaration at the forthcoming April OSBT meeting:
Agenda Item 5A Page 3
The Open Space Board of Trustees joins the staff of the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain
Parks Department in recognizing all our volunteers during National Volunteer Week 2024. We
salute the hundreds of Open Space and Mountain Parks volunteers who contributed their talents and
efforts in helping the department carry out its City Charter Purpose for Open Space. This
community of volunteers is an inspiration as their contributions help to protect the resources and
provide for enjoyable experiences, making Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks a special
place.
Attachments:
•Attachment A: Volunteerism, Service Learning and Partnerships 2023 Annual Report
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Attachment A
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Attachment A
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Attachment A
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Attachment A
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Attachment A
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Attachment A
Agenda Item 5A Page 10
EHR.8 Reduce impacts from noise, light
and nearby land uses
EHR.9 Reduce and offset OSMP
greenhouse gas emissions
ATT.6 Support the success of ranchers
and farmers
ATT.7 Integrate native ecosystems and
agriculture
ATT.8 Further reduce or eliminate
pesticide use
ATT.9 Enhance enjoyment and
protection of working landscapes
RRSE.6 Support a range of passive
recreation experiences
RRSE.7 Build new trails as guided by past
and future plans
RRSE.8 Provide welcoming and inspiring
visitor facilities and services
RRSE.9 Develop a learning laboratory
approach to recreation
CCEI.5 Foster wellness through
immersion in the outdoors
CCEI.6 Inspire environmental literacy and
new involvement in OSMP
CCEI.7 Cultivate leaders in stewardship
CCEI.8 Heighten community understanding
of land management efforts
CCEI.9 Preserve and protect Boulder’s
cultural heritage
EHR.1 Preserve and restore important
habitat blocks and corridors
EHR.2 Update and continue
implementing system plans guiding
ecosystem management
EHR.3 Address the global climate crisis
here and now
ATT.1 Reduce maintenance backlog for
agriculture and water infrastructure
ATT.2 Increase soil health and resilience
ATT.3 Address conflicts between
agriculture and prairie dogs
RRSE.1 Assess and manage increasing
visitation
RRSE.2 Reduce trail maintenance backlog
CCEI.1 Welcome diverse backgrounds
and abilities
CCEI.2 Enhance communications with
visitors
EHR.4 Reduce undesignated trails
EHR.5 Extend on-trail requirements
EHR.6 Control invasive species
EHR.7 Develop a learning laboratory
approach to conservation
ATT.4 Protect water resources in a
warmer future
ATT.5 Encourage diverse and innovative
agricultural operations
RRSE.3 Update guidelines and standards
for quality trail design and
construction
RRSE.4 Encourage multimodal access
to trailheads
RRSE.5 Manage passive recreation
activities requiring a permit
CCEI.3 Connect youth to the outdoors
CCEI.4 Support city-wide engagement
with federally recognized
American Indian Tribes and
Indigenous Peoples
Attachment A
Agenda Item 5A Page 11
MEMORANDUM
TO: Open Space Board of Trustees
FROM: Dan Burke, Director, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Jeff Haley, Deputy Director of Visitor Experience and Infrastructure
Bethany Collins, Senior Manager, Real Estate Services
Ilene Flax, Senior Landscape Architect
DATE: April 10, 2024
SUBJECT: Marshall Mesa Trailhead Improvements and Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining
and Safety (DRMS) Project Update
________________________________________________________________________
Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) staff are currently developing renovation plans for the Marshall
Mesa trailhead located near the intersection of CO Highway 93 and CO Highway 170/Eldorado Springs
Drive as shared with the Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) in September 2023. Renovation is
planned to follow Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) mitigation work, as
shared with OSBT in February 2024. This memo provides an update on both projects and a staff
presentation will be provided to the OSBT at the April 10 regular meeting including a staff presentation
from DRMS.
DRMS Mitigation
During 2022 and 2023 DRMS conducted subsurface investigations to determine the nature and extent of
the underground coal fire near the City of Boulder’s Marshall Mesa Trailhead (Attachment A). The
detailed finding of these investigations can be found in the Marshall Mine Underground Coal Fire Report
of Investigations Sept. 2023, located on the DRMS website. In summary, the subsurface investigation
findings indicate subsurface heat (>80°F) is being generated from the upper coal bed in three subsurface
areas of the site.
Based on these findings, availability of DRMS funding, and history of mitigation efforts at the site,
DRMS is recommending a mitigation effort to remove, to the extent possible, potential hazards that may
be associated with the current and previous subsurface coal activity. Additionally, DRMS recommends
that, where possible, burned and unburned coal, adjacent to areas with elevated subsurface temperatures,
should be mitigated to prevent future subsurface ignition and subsidence.
The recommended mitigation to be led by DRMS is total excavation of approximately five acres (>35 feet
deep) of the coal seam areas with elevated subsurface temperatures by excavating to the bottom of the
coal seam, blending and cooling any material exceeding 80°F, and then replacing the material back into
the excavation (Attachment B). No fill or topsoil would be imported or exported to/from the site. This
recommended mitigation action is similar to the mitigation approach recently used at the nearby Lewis
mine site. While DRMS has no regulatory requirement to perform this work, they are the state authority
on this type of mitigation and receive federal infrastructure investment funding from Office of Surface
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to mitigate abandoned coal mine problems statewide. Permitting
DRMS and their contractor access to perform this work would not convey any property interest in the
city-owned land or create any additional monitoring or reporting requirements for DRMS or the city.
Agenda Item 5B Page 1
It should be noted, the city is not the owner of the underground minerals that are the focus of this
mitigation proposal, but it is the city’s understanding that DRMS has been in contact with the owner of
the mineral rights regarding this mitigation proposal.
Following excavation, the mitigated areas will either be graded to resemble the natural surrounding
topography or graded in preparation for the Marshall Mesa Trailhead improvements. The existing and
proposed trailhead renovation is located within portions of the recommended DRMS mitigation area. The
timing and extent of the mitigation work allows collaborative project planning, design and permitting to
take place.
Schedule
The initial permit application for the combined DRMS excavation and grading and the OSMP trailhead
improvement project is expected to be made to the Boulder County Community Planning and Permitting
Department in April 2024. This submittal includes:
•DRMS mitigation plans;
•Trailhead design plans;
•Trailhead access driveway relocation plans;
•Stormwater quality plans, including initial Goodhue Ditch coordination;
•Cultural, mineral, and ecological resource reports; and
•Fire protection cistern in collaboration with the Mountain View Fire Protection District
(MVFPD).
There will be a public hearing as part of the Boulder County Limited Impact Special Use Review
(LISUR) standard process.
Following the LISUR process, DRMS will obtain all necessary permits and contracts to perform the
mitigation, which is expected to begin in Q4 of 2024. OSMP will complete construction documents,
procurement and permitting for trailhead improvements, with an anticipated start in Q1 or Q2 of 2025
following the DRMS-led mitigation.
Trailhead Design
The trailhead renovation concept plans leverage adjacent projects to include consideration of the
following elements (Attachment C).
Vehicles
•Vehicles will access the site through a new driveway that provides a graceful arrival sequence to
the parking area and connects the park-and-ride as well as visitors arriving by bike or pedestrians
better than the current design.
•Unlike the existing configuration of the trailhead, the new trailhead parking will be in one area to
support intuitive wayfinding for visitors. In addition to an improved layout that reduces the stress
of finding a parking spot, the number of parking spaces has been increased based upon
demonstrated demand and data collection throughout many years to ensure adequate parking is
provided to visitors.
•The parking area layout will support multi-modal access including shuttle bus drop off and
pickup areas. This will include a shade shelter and seating for gathering and waiting.
•Designated spaces for accessible parking, ranger parking, and equestrian parking.
•Parking spaces are deeper than typical to support bike hitch racks without impacting circulation.
•Parking and staging for maintenance of the trailhead and trail system.
Agenda Item 5B Page 2
•In surveys, over 34% of visitors arrived at the trailhead by bicycle. Although many visitors will
continue their bike experience on the trails, trailhead design includes comfortable and ample bike
parking to support this multi-modal access of the system. The bike racks follow the standard city
designs for the “U” style rack with the appropriate spacing and dimensions to accommodate all
bikes.
Trail System
•The trailhead will provide improved connections to the Marshall Mesa trail system including a
single-track sustainable trail leading from the trailhead south to connect to the Marshall Valley
Trail and Coal Seam Trail. This new connection will provide educational and interpretive
information regarding trail etiquette and provide visitors with an entry level experience of the
types of trail conditions and features that might be experienced on the trail system and how to
walk or ride safely with other users in mind.
•The accessible route burned in the recent Marshall fire will not be reconstructed as it existed
previously; it had been a short, destination-less segment. Instead, an accessible nature loop is
envisioned in the area north of the trailhead. This location supports accessible grades, includes
shaded areas that are critical for people experiencing disabilities, and can provide a quiet,
contemplative experience away from the road and main trail network.
•A short trail connection between the CDOT park-and-ride and the trailhead will provide a safe
and compelling route.
•Safe pedestrian routes around the trailhead will support wayfinding and intuitive connections that
are separated from vehicles.
Visitor Infrastructure
•The vault restroom that burned in the Marshall fire will be replaced with the new OSMP standard
concrete vault structure. This recommended structure is an integrated building and vault that is
highly durable and resilient to fire, and moderately resilient to flooding. FEMA will provide
funding for a new structure.
•Shade is an increasingly vital safety concern in our changing climate and one of the most desired
needs according to feedback from the community and visitors. The site renovation will include a
shade shelter for gathering, waiting, and picnicking at the trailhead as a destination or before and
after a recreation activity on the trails.
•Benches and seating areas will be in appropriate locations around the trailhead to support visitor
use, comfort, and engagement.
•Marshall Mesa is increasingly popular as a biking facility, with 59% of visitors reporting biking
as their primary activity. Visitor infrastructure will include a bike repair station and an area for
staging groups of bikes before heading onto the trails. The existing steel structure that exists on
the site now with interpretive signs will remain and be integrated into the new design to support
bike gathering.
Vegetation
Trailheads staff have been developing a “climate-ready” landscape palette with plantings that are native,
fire-wise, and water-wise. Many xeriscape guidelines apply, including the right plant for the right place to
provide a variety of benefits to the trailhead area.
Agenda Item 5B Page 3
•Vegetation management is currently underway in anticipation of the disturbance to reduce the
spread of invasive plants.
•Successful revegetation following any disturbance is key to project success. Re-establishment of
a functional grassland ecosystem will require vigilant staff effort.
•Trailhead grading will direct stormwater runoff to landscaped areas that are supported by this
additional water.
•Trees that provide shade as a critical element in our changing climate.
•Plants that exhibit a variety of adaptations to living with fire including serotinous cones, smoke
responsive germination, bark characteristics, and deep root systems.
Education and Outreach
Education and outreach at the Marshall Mesa trailhead are supported by the visitor infrastructure
described above. In addition, the level of service for this area indicates the need for guided and/or self-
guided trails and nature discovery experiences.
•As explored in CU Boulder’s Eco-healing studio project, the Marshall Mesa trailhead resonates
following the Marshall Fire. Our community is increasingly aware of the healing qualities of
spending time in nature, and this place is empowered to address and support recovery.
•The newly designed accessible nature trail is an excellent opportunity for interactive site
interpretation that may include eco-healing; coal mining and the mitigation work; and climate
ready landscapes.
•Signage to support wayfinding and interpretation.
Closures
During construction, the trailhead will be closed to parking and visitor access from the initial mobilization
for DRMS mitigation work through the final trailhead construction period, approximately one year. The
reality is that the entire area south of Marshall Road will be within the construction zone and not allow
access from the CDOT park and ride or Marshall Road. The Eldorado park-and-ride will remain operating
at the CDOT park and ride, but there will be no trail access from this point. However, within the open
space, only the short section of trail between the closed trailhead and the Marshall Valley Trail will be
closed. If it does not cause problems, the Marshall Valley Trail will remain open from the Coal Seam
intersection allowing for full use of the Dirty Bismark loop. If this causes conflicts, additional trail
closures may be required. The trail loop will be accessible from:
•The access point along Marshall Road east of the existing trailhead and Cherryvale (no vehicle
parking at this location).
•Greenbelt Plateau Trailhead;
•Flatirons Vista Trailhead (includes a restroom);
•Mayhoffer/Singletree/ 66th Street Access Point;
•Oerman- Roche Trailhead (Boulder County); and
•Coalton Trailhead (Boulder County) (includes a restroom).
Attachments:
•Attachment A – Marshall Mesa Property Map
•Attachment B – DRMS Excavation Plan
•Attachment C– Marshall Mesa Trailhead Illustrative and Site Plan
Agenda Item 5B Page 4
!i Stanger
Roseview
Richardson I
Thomas, Hogan, Parrish (T.H.P.) - East Parker CE
Neuhauser
City Limits
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Attachment A-Property Map
I
0 0.045 0.09 0.135 0.18Miles
Legend
!i OSMP Trailhead with Designated Parking
Hiking Trail
Multi-Use Trail
Subject
OSMP Fee Ownership
OSMP Easement
Marshall MesaTrailhead
Agenda Item 5B Page 5
xx
xx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxMA
R
S
H
A
L
L
D
R
.S FOOTHILLS HWY 93S FOOTHILLS HWY 93MARSHALL DR.DAVIDSON DITCH
ELDORADO SHUTTLE
PARKING 1682 MARSHALL DR.
LIMITS OF DISTURBANCE
SOUTH AREA
EXCAVATION LIMITS
NORTH AREA
EXCAVATION LIMITS
LIMITS OF DISTURBANCE
OWNER: CITY OF BOULDER
>>>>>>>>>>>>S-FENCE
STOCKPILE (TYP)
EXISTING CISTERN
TO BE REMOVED
FIRE WATER TANK
CONSTRUCTION
ENTRANCE
1689
1689
169016901680
17001690
1690
EXISTING HISTORIC
PAVILION TO REMAIN.
EXISTING MAJOR CONTOUR
(10' INTERVAL)
CHKD:
DRWN:
PROJ:
DESN:www.tetratech.comMARK DATE DESCRIPTIONBY2/1/2024 11:45:34 AM - C:\USERS\LAURA.WEATHERL\DC\ACCDOCS\TETRA TECH INC\117-8295005 MARSHALL\PROJECT FILES\CAD\SHEETFILES\C-02 EXCAVATION PLAN.DWG - WEATHERL, LAURA1
A
B
C
D
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2 3 4 5 6 7
Bar Measures 1 inch, otherwise drawing not to scale Copyright: Tetra Tech117-8295005MARSHALL FIRE MITIGATION - 50%BOULDER COUNTY, COLORADOSTATE OF COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCESDIVISION OF RECLAMATION, MINING AND SAFETY1100 South McCaslin BlvdSuperior, CO 80027Phone: +1 (303) 448-7453N
0
SCALE:
50' 100'200'
1'' = 100'C-02EXCAVATION PLANB.BIJOLD
L. WEATHERL
B.BIJOLD
LEGEND
ACCESS ROUTE
1. ACCESS TO SITE WILL BE FROM MARSHALL DR.
A CONSTRUCTION ENTRANCE WILL BE
CREATED ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE
EXISTING DRIVEWAY FOR THE ELDORADO
SHUTTLE PARKING AREA AT 1682 MARSHALL DR.
2. DISTURBANCE TO THE AREA SHALL BE KEPT TO
A MINIMUM.
3. EQUIPMENT OPERATION, MATERIAL STORAGE
STAGING, OFFROAD TRAVEL, AND/OR OTHER
PROJECT IMPACTS OUTSIDE OF CLEARED
AREAS IS PROHIBITED.
GENERAL NOTES:
EXISTING MINOR CONTOUR
(10' INTERVAL)
PROPERTY BOUNDARY
LIMIT OF DISTURBANCE
EXCAVATION LIMITS
2017 MITIGATION AREA
EXCAVATION LIMITS
STOCKPILE LOCATION
ATTACHMENT B
Agenda Item 5B Page 6
Marshall Mesa Trailhead Renovation
Illustrative Site Plan
April 2024
North
NTS
Horse trailer Horse trailer
parkingparking
Bike plazaBike plaza
Planted water Planted water
quality islandsquality islands
Vault Vault
restroomrestroom
Accessible and Accessible and
Ranger parkingRanger parking
Shuttle stop Shuttle stop
and drop offand drop off
Shade shelter Shade shelter
and picnic areaand picnic area
System trailsSystem trails
Nature trailNature trail
Maintenance Maintenance
stagingstaging
Trail to park Trail to park
and ride lotand ride lot
ParkingParking
KioskKiosk
Interactive site Interactive site
interpretationinterpretation
CrosswalkCrosswalk
170170
9393
GatheringGathering
spacespace
ATTACHMENT C
Agenda Item 5B Page 7
LISUR SUBMITTAL (NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION) -MARCH 8, 2024 ATTACHMENT CAgenda Item 5B Page 8
MEMORANDUM
TO: Open Space Board of Trustees
FROM: Dan Burke, Director, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Brian Anacker, Science and Climate Resilience Sr. Manager
Paul Dennison, Wildland Fire Sr. Program Manager
DATE: April 10, 2024
SUBJECT: Written Information: Wildfire Resilient Landscapes: Update on Wildland-Urban
Interface (WUI) Fuels Management
Executive Summary
In 2024, Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) will enhance its already extensive fuels
management in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) by adding a new pilot initiative: the WUI
Perimeter Mowing Program. This program will begin in 2024 by targeting a narrow 30-foot strip
of OSMP land that is adjacent to four priority communities within the WUI and aims to achieve
four main objectives: (1) raise community awareness about wildfire risks, (2) reduce those risks
by mitigating hazardous fuels, (3) evaluate the effectiveness of different treatment methods (e.g.,
mowing, grazing, tree limbing) on OSMP public lands, and (4) assess the program's overall
efficacy and scalability to inform the development of a permanent WUI Perimeter Mowing
Program. The main fuel reduction technique will be the mowing of grasses down to 4-6 inches in
height one to two times per year but may also involve limited treatment of woody vegetation as
needed.
By integrating community engagement, strategic risk assessment, and vegetation treatment
techniques, the WUI Perimeter Mowing Program endeavors to increase Boulder's resilience to
wildfire, building upon an already strong foundation for sustainable wildfire management
practices in the Wildland Urban Interface. In addition to this written memo in the OSBT April
packet, OSMP staff will present an update on the WUI Perimeter Mowing Program at the May
business meeting.
Introduction
OSMP conducts many activities that reduce wildfire risk to the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI),
including extensive livestock grazing, landscape-scale forest thinning, ditch fuels management,
invasive, non-native vegetation mitigation, and prescribed burning. These activities are primarily
conducted to increase ecological health across the fire-adapted landscapes, but they also have the
co-benefit of wildfire risk reduction to adjacent structures and homes in the Boulder community.
The Marshall Fire identified a need to take an even more targeted approach to fuels reduction
immediately adjacent to residential communities. In fact, other agencies in the Boulder Valley
have already designed and implemented mowing programs in WUI areas to reduce fuels and
lower wildfire risk to residents. The need for enhanced vegetation management on public and
Written Information - Item A - Page 1
private land adjacent to homes is also prioritized as a strategy in the forthcoming Community
Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
In Spring 2024, OSMP will begin a new pilot program to implement and assess wildfire risk
reduction strategies in the WUI. The WUI is a wildfire management term defined as areas where
human development meets undeveloped wildlands. The WUI represents a space where wildfire
poses elevated risk to life, residential property, and other values. Many areas in the WUI involve
residential communities abutting OSMP lands. Wildfire risk modeling in the 2024 CWPP has
identified many of these parts of the WUI as priority areas for risk reduction project planning and
implementation; several of these areas are the focus of the WUI Perimeter Mowing Program.
The pilot OSMP-WUI Perimeter Mowing Program fits into broader wildfire mitigation strategies
described in the CWPP, and other projects will be planned and implemented to amplify the
benefits of the WUI Perimeter Mowing Program. These complimentary lines of effort (many of
which are led by other city departments and agencies) involve fuels reduction on private land,
home hardening to reduce structural ignitability, community preparedness programs, and others.
The pilot WUI Perimeter Mowing Program has four main objectives:
1)Raise Community Awareness: To promote engagement with the community and other
partners to accomplish a better shared understanding of risk in the WUI, and to initiate action
on public and private lands to reduce that risk.
2)Reduce Risk: To mitigate wildfire risk in the Wildland Urban Interface by reducing
hazardous fuels.
3)Evaluate Prescriptions: To evaluate the effectiveness of various treatment approaches in
managing grass and other vegetation on public land, to reduce risk and determine how to
integrate community-level treatments with new and ongoing risk reduction efforts happening
at the landscape level.
4)Evaluate Program Efficacy: To assess the feasibility and potential scale of a permanent
WUI Perimeter Mowing Program.
Site Selection
A variety of analysis tools and subject matter experts assisted in the selection of four pilot
treatment areas. Assessing areas for potential treatment during the program pilot involved the
following criteria:
1. Treatments should occur in areas of higher
relative risk according to CWPP wildfire risk
models and local expertise.
2. Treatments should occur in areas where OSMP
lands are generally nearest to residential
structures—given that treatments are generally less effective the farther they are from a home or community.
3. Treatments should occur in areas where thedensity of homes benefitting from treatment ishighest. Written Information - Item A - Page 2
Figure. 1. This figure illustrates a three-step flow chart for selecting potential treatment
areas. Step 1 involves using risk as defined by the Community Wildfire Protection Plan
(CWPP) to identify potential treatment areas. Step 2 refines these areas further based on
their proximity to structures. Step 3 applies an additional layer of refinement by
considering the density of structures within the areas.
Figure. 2. The photograph is of the North treatment area in the Dakota Ridge Northbriar
Neighborhood highlighting the Wildland Urban Interface. It features an open space
grassland in the foreground, bordered by a wooden fence. In the background, there's an
adjacent neighborhood with lawns, planted trees and shrubs, and buildings.
Wildfire hazards, proximity of homes to OSMP land, and dense communities are characteristic
of this pilot area and the other three areas selected for pilot treatment.
Wildfire risk modeling and local expertise informed the identification of Areas of Concern
included in the 2024 City of Boulder Community Wildfire Protection Plan (expected to be
published in June 2024). These Areas of Concern provided boundaries that helped in the
identification of pilot treatment areas.
Written Information - Item A - Page 3
Figure 3. The map shows the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) planning
area in bold, red outline. Inside the planning area, draft Areas of Concern are shown in
pink polygons and labeled AC-01 through AC-16. More Areas of Concern are on the
western edge of the City of Boulder. The Areas of Concern were used to guide the
selection of sites for inclusion in the pilot WUI Perimeter Mowing Program.
Additional geospatial analysis determined which communities within the CWPP Areas of
Concern met the additional criteria: proximity to city land, grassland vegetation, and relatively
high home density (see Attachments).
The site selection process yielded four pilot treatment areas that will be treated during 2024:
1.North (Dakota Ridge North Briar)
2. Wonderland
3. Chautauqua (between Bluebell Road and the adjacent cottages)
4. South (Devil’s Thumb and Shanahan Ridge)
Written Information - Item A - Page 4
Figure 4. The map shows the four pilot treatment areas for the WUI Perimeter Mowing
Program, indicated by black circles. The extent of the map is set to the western edge of
Boulder. Open space land is shown in light green. The names of the pilot treatment areas
are: North, Wonderland, Chautauqua, and South. The exact land to be treated is indicated
Written Information - Item A - Page 5
by thinner, black lines. See the appendices for a “zoomed in” look at teach pilot treatment
area.
Outreach
Community outreach and engagement efforts have already commenced, and will continue with a
press release, direct mailers to residents adjacent to the treatment areas, and informational events
hosted by the Wildland Fire Sr. Program Manager, who will also oversee program
implementation.
There already have been and there will continue to be opportunities for onsite conversations and
information sharing with adjacent homeowners when staff is out in the field as part of program
implementation; feedback to date has been overwhelmingly positive. Because this is a new,
small scale pilot project with little to no perceived ecological impacts, our community
engagement efforts will be light and focused on informing immediate neighbors only.
OSMP Rangers and Outreach staff will be prepared to respond to any community inquiries.
During CWPP engagement, homeowners in the WUI have expressed strong support for
hazardous fuels reduction on public and private land.
Implementation
The primary fuel model in the OSMP lands immediately adjacent to the pilot treatment areas is
grass. The implementation approach for grass management is perimeter mowing, aiming to
reduce fuel height on city land, beginning as near to private land as is feasible and extending 30’
from the property line, wherever possible. Exclusion and avoidance areas will be observed to
protect rare and sensitive plant species, wildlife habitats, and other sensitive natural or manmade
features.
Implementation timing will vary by site, and will take into consideration species composition,
prevailing weather conditions and fuel dryness, occurrence of other land management activities
(e.g. grazing), and other factors. In most of the project areas, two entries for mowing treatment
are expected to accomplish project objectives, one entry in June or July, and a second entry in
September or October.
The implementation method will be completed by mowing using hand crews operating brush
cutters. The contracted Bridge House Ready to Work (RTW) Crews will perform the fine fuels
cutting work. OSMP will provide leadership and direct oversight along with supervision. RTW
Crews at OSMP serve over 12 workgroups currently and the WUI Perimeter Mowing Program
increased this contracted workforce’s capacity by adding 16 more project days to their 2024
season calendar.
The target post-implementation conditions will be grasses that are 4-6 inches tall within the
treated areas. This is expected to moderate fire behavior by reducing flame height and rate of fire
spread. OSMP staff will monitor the treatment areas to ensure that objectives are being met, and
to assess the treatment impacts more generally for changes in plant species composition,
including any unintended change in non-native plant species.
Written Information - Item A - Page 6
Some woody vegetation management will also be included in the fuels reduction treatments, and
areas requiring a tree removal or thinning prescription will be evaluated by OSMP’s Vegetation
Stewardship Senior Manager and Forestry Operations Supervisor. The majority of OSMP lands
that are part of the Colorado State Forest Service’s definition of the Home Ignition Zone (see
Figure 5) are predominantly grass fuel models. However, opportunities to expand the focus of
forest health projects to emphasize wildfire risk reduction are being evaluated as part of a
comprehensive fuels management plan for OSMP lands in the WUI.
Figure 5. The diagram depicts a home surrounded by two square-shaped zones,
representing Home Ignition Zones 1 (0-5 feet from home) and 2 (5-30 feet from home).
The 30-foot square reflects standard Home Ignition Zone guidance, which recommends
managing vegetation within 30 feet of homes and outbuildings. Therefore, a minimum
target treatment buffer of 30 feet from all structures was established for the
implementation of the WUI Perimeter Mowing Program.
Conclusion
Many subject matter experts and land management practitioners are involved in the
development, implementation, and monitoring of the pilot WUI Perimeter Mowing Program.
Much remains to be learned about wildfire risk in the WUI. Effective risk reduction, particularly
in grasslands, remains an emerging area of research and experimentation. OSMP will use an
adaptive management approach to closely monitor implementation and outcomes at every stage
of the pilot program, with the goal of identifying opportunities to improve the program and
integrate it with comprehensive wildfire management strategies.
Attachments
•Attachment A – WUI Perimeter Mowing Program, North. Final boundaries of treatment
areas are subject to change.
•Attachment B – WUI Perimeter Mowing Program, Wonderland. Final boundaries of
treatment areas are subject to change.
•Attachment C – WUI Perimeter Mowing Program, Chautauqua. Final boundaries of
treatment areas are subject to change.
Written Information - Item A - Page 7
•Attachment D – WUI Perimeter Mowing Program, South. Final boundaries of treatment
areas are subject to change.
Written Information - Item A - Page 8
Attachment A.
Written Information - Item A - Page 9
Attachment B.
Written Information - Item A - Page 10
Attachment C.
Written Information - Item A - Page 11
Attachment D.
Written Information - Item A - Page 12
MEMORANDUM
TO: Open Space Board of Trustees
FROM: Dan Burke, Director, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Ann Lezberg, Sr. Ecologist
Brian Anacker, Science and Climate Resilience Sr. Manager
DATE: April 10, 2024
SUBJECT: Written Information: Funded research program update
___________________________________________________________________
Funded Research Program
The OSMP Funded Research Program is a small grants program (each award is ca. $12,000) that
runs on an annual cycle. The main goal of the program is to work with the science community to
learn more about Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) land and visitors in ways that address
both the short and long-term management needs of the department.
The Funded Research Program is directly related to the following OSMP Master Plan strategies:
•EHR.7: Develop a Learning Laboratory Approach to Conservation
•RRSE.9: Develop a Learning Laboratory Approach to Recreation
The Funded Research Program is also indirectly linked to another 17 strategies (not listed here).
In 2024, we received 10 proposals for consideration for funding. Staff reviewed the proposals for
their organization, management merit, intellectual merit, methods, personnel qualifications,
schedule, and resources. Five projects were selected for funding (Table 2). Two projects (Brown
and Courkamp) were jointly funded with Boulder County Parks and Open Space, Jefferson
County Open Space, and the City of Longmont.
Table 2. These five proposals were selected for funding in 2024. Field work will take place
in 2024.
PI Name Affiliation Title of Proposal
Ahler, Sam CU Boulder Charred or chewed: grassland flammability and
palatability traits along the Colorado Front.
Written Information - Item B - Page 1
Brown, Cynthia CSU Impacts of residual Indaziflam on establishment of
native species from seed.
Jointly funded with Boulder County Parks and
Open Space, Jefferson County Open Space, and the
City of Longmont.
Courkamp, Jacob CSU The effects of cheatgrass management with
indaziflam on live fuel moisture content in
rangeland plant communities along the Colorado
Front Range.
Jointly funded with Boulder County Parks and
Open Space, Jefferson County Open Space, and the
City of Longmont. Field research not conducted on
OSMP land.
Martin, Owen CU Boulder From spatiotemporal characterization to ecological
insight: leveraging flash patterns to explore
behavioral trends in Colorado Photuris fireflies.
McKnight, Diane CU Boulder Assessing the status and ecosystem impact of the
invasive diatom Didymosphenia genimata in South
Boulder Creek.
The community will have the opportunity to hear from some of these researchers, and those
funded in prior years, at the biennial (every other year) Front Range Open Space Research
Symposium in 2025.
Written Information - Item B - Page 2
MEMORANDUM
To: Open Space Board of Trustees
From: Dan Burke, Director, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Lauren Kilcoyne, Deputy Director of Central Services
Bethany Collins, Real Estate Senior Manager
Marc Pedrucci, Senior Property Agent
Date: April 10, 2024
Subject: Written Information: CO Highway 7 (Arapahoe Road) Multi-Modal Corridor Study
________________________________________________________________________
The purpose of this memo is to update the Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) on the Multi-Modal
Corridor Study for CO Highway 7 Segment B (63rd St. to US 287). The corridor study is being led by
the Colorado Dept. of Transportation (CDOT) along with stakeholders including local governments
and the Regional Transportation District (RTD). The lead project design consultant is Muller
Engineering.
The Corridor Vision would create a safer, sustainable, and equitable corridor for the future.
Improvements for the corridor include:
•An initial regional bus service with an ultimate BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)
•A corridor bikeway
•Bike and pedestrian connections
•First-and-final mile connections (scooter, bikeshare, ride share, shuttles, etc.)
The OSBT last received updates on the earlier iteration of this project (Planning and Environmental
Linkages Study) in 2019. The project scope of this next stage includes two phases: Phase I was a
Multi-Modal Feasibility Study and Phase II will take the project to a 15% Design Level. The
Feasibility Study (Phase I) included an existing conditions analysis, establish design criteria, create
alternatives (typical sections), evaluation of alternatives, public feedback, and design
recommendations. Phase I is complete, with a preferred alternative that is now being taken to 15%
design in Phase II.
Phase II has looked at several design considerations including stormwater drainage/detention, existing
irrigation and utility infrastructure, right-of-way pinch points, the urban tie-ins, and some components
of the roadway’s design (road profile, access points, etc.). The current schedule for Phase II is
submittal of Design Package for review in April, address comments in May, and submittal of revised
15% Design in June. At present there is no funding available to advance the project beyond the 15%
Design Level. There will be an online public presentation on April 15 for informational purposes only
(no public comments will be taken). This will be the final public presentation milestone for this phase
of the project. Previous public outreach events to solicit and obtain public feedback were conducted in
the fall of 2023 in multiple ways including an online presentation, in-person community/stakeholder
advocacy groups, and an in-person community event in the Boulder area.
While brought in late in Phase I, OSMP Real Estate staff have attended the Technical Team meetings
as a stakeholder in this project, providing input into the alternatives analysis and potential impacts to
open space lands along the corridor. Given the amount of OSMP-managed land along both sides of
CO Highway 7 between 63rd and 95th Street (Attachment A), the preferred alternative advanced by
CDOT out of Phase I (Attachment B) – which generally proposes to expand the existing right-of-way
Written Information - Item C - Page 1
from 60’ to 153’ – would require considerable right-of-way acquisitions by CDOT, triggering the
city’s disposal process. The timing of a potential disposal request is unknown.
Attachments:
•Attachment A: Corridor with OSMP-managed Properties
•Attachment B: Preferred Alternative 2 (Option B) Depiction
Written Information - Item C - Page 2
Autrey
Teller Farm - Open Space
Lewis
Anderson
MartinsonBell II
Eddy
Spicer
Aweida I
Bixler, Ralph
Swartz
King - Hodgson I
Aweida II
Hill CE
Bixler, Hannah
Ute Industrial Park Isenhart-Jones
Watt
Burke I
Hunter-Kolb
Rosenblatt-Ryan
Biddle Manchester
Sombrero Marsh
Pherson CE
Merle-Smith
Baseline / 75th
Bell I
Paclamar Farms (Brooks)
Klein - West
Kolb Brothers
Methvin (Brandt)
Overfelt CE
Gisle - Life Estate
Cohagen CE
Cohagen
King - Hodgson II CE
Valmont Butte
Hill - Life Estate
Flatirons Industrial Park
Eccher
Oliver
Williamson / Moore / Holmes
Sawhill Ponds Fell
Burke II Webb - Open Space
Klein - East
Woodley
Cottonwood Farms
Eddy CE
Bartlett DR
Stengel - King
Sombrero Marsh II
Unkefer - Bell CE
Short And Milne
Clough
Teller Lake (1/3 Dexter)Straty / Cline
Valmont Industrial Park
Colorado Open Land III - Sec. 22, SW-C
Arapahoe Rd
N 95th StA r a pahoe Ave
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Baseline Reservoir
Short Milne Pond
Sombrero Marsh
Teller Lake Res No 1
Hartman ResDryCreekGreenDitch
EnterpriseDitc h
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But t e M i llDitch
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E a s tB o u ld e rDitchM arshallvilleDitchAndrewsD it chSo u t h Boulder C a no n D itch
A g itatorDitchGoodhueDitch Bull H eadG ulchButte Mill Ditch
User: cassidyj Date: 4/1/2024 Document Path: E:\MapFiles\Property\Jake\Arapahoe Corridor\Location_Arapahoe.mxd
OSMP Location MapArapahoe Road Corridor-63rd Street to 95th Street
I
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8Miles
Legend
Subject
OSMP Fee Ownership
OSMP Easement
Perennial Stream
Intermittent Stream
Main Ditch
Lateral Ditch
Attachment A
Written Information - Item C - Page 3
Multi-Use Path
Alternative 2 Option B:
Multi-Use Path with Buses on Shoulder
and Two-Way Left Turn Lane
Bus on Shoulder GP Lane Two-Way Left GP Lane Bus on Shoulder
Turn Lane
Attachment B
Written Information - Item C - Page 4
MEMORANDUM
TO: Open Space Board of Trustees
FROM: Dan Burke, Director, Open Space and Mountain Parks
Lauren Kilcoyne, Deputy Director of Central Services
Samantha McQueen, Business Services Senior Manager
Cole Moffatt, Senior Accountant
DATE: April 10, 2024
SUBJECT: Written Information: Draft 2025 Work Plan and Budget
________________________________________________________________________
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this update is to begin providing the Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT) with
information that will help in its upcoming reviews and recommendations of the Open Space and
Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department’s 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and 2025
operating expenditures. In this memo, staff provides an overview of economic conditions and 2023
revenue collections; details the OSMP budget structure; and provides the OSBT with an overview of
the 2025 operating and capital budget development processes.
A five-part series of OSBT meeting agenda items relating to the budget is as follows: In January,
OSMP staff presented strategic, high-level budget guidance to the OSBT. This month’s written
information item will include an introduction to the 2025 budget. In May, staff will present a draft CIP
budget and introduce operating budget structure for review. In June, staff will give updates on the draft
CIP budget and operating budget, as well as out-year revenue projections. The July OSBT meeting
will include a public hearing for the community to comment on the proposed 2025-2030 CIP and 2025
operating budget. After public comment, the OSBT will make a recommendation.
DRAFT 2023 REVENUE COLLECTIONS
OSMP staff review draft revenue collections each year and partner with the city’s Finance Department
to develop realistic scenarios for funding the CIP and operating budgets in future years. The Finance
Department expects to present financial forecast information at a May City Council Study Session. At
the June OSBT business meeting, OSMP staff plan to present out-year revenue projections from the
Finance Department to assist with review and recommendation of the CIP and operating budget. The
following section details draft 2023 revenue collections and explains how economic conditions will be
factored into the 2025-2030 CIP and 2025 operating budget.
After declining revenues as a result of COVID-19 led to budget reductions in 2020 and 2021, the 2022
budget was the first to return to pre-COVID staffing levels, including full seasonal and temporary
hiring, incorporating additional investments in Tier One Master Plan strategies in the operating
budget, and increasing the annual CIP to a level that was consistent with pre-COVID averages. As the
cost to maintain services increased, the 2023 budget included additional investments in the operating
budget to account for higher costs of goods and services. The 2024 budget focused on programming
additional revenues to pay for cost increases to maintain existing levels of service delivery, accelerate
priority investments, and fund several previous CIP projects with an ongoing maintenance focus in the
operating budget instead.
As noted above, OSMP staff are partnering with the Finance Department to understand our financial
landscape for the upcoming budget years. The department depends heavily on sales and use taxes as a
Written Information - Item D - Page 1
form of revenue. In 2022, sales and use tax categories represented 93% of the Open Space Fund’s
overall revenue. Draft sales and use tax revenues show an increase of 2.54% from 2022 to 2023,
excluding audits. In contrast, these same sales and use tax categories increased 11.42% from 2021 to
2022. The department expects similar slow revenue growth in these categories over the next several
years and will propose the 2025-2030 CIP and 2025 operating budget with this financial landscape in
mind. As noted above, more detailed revenue projections from the Finance Department are expected in
time for the June business meeting.
Since 2024 budget approval, revenue collections have met expectations, though final 2023 revenue
and expenditure numbers have not yet been released to departments. It is anticipated that actual
revenues will be finalized in advance of the June OSBT business meeting. Staff will share updates
with the OSBT during the presentation of the draft 2025-2030 CIP and 2025 operating budget. Draft
2023 revenues are presented in Table 1. These numbers remain in draft form as the Finance
Department completes audits and accruals. The 2023 revenues that have posted to the Open Space
Fund as of March 20, 2024, are as follows:
Table 1: Draft 2023 Revenues
Description of Revenue 2022 Actual
Revenue
2023 Draft
Revenue
Percent
Change
Retail Sales Tax 27,066,027 27,474,977 1.51
Construction Use Tax 2,575,328 3,299,682 28.13
Consumer / Business Use Tax 2,415,080 2,053,220 -14.98
Motor Vehicle Use Tax 1,211,366 1,286,186 6.18
Interest: Pooled Investments 301,545 607,577 101.49
Federal & State Grants 677,072 468,340 -30.83
Sales Tax Audits 16,306 322,466 1877.60
Parking Charges 299,866 320,764 6.97
Business Use Tax Audits 110,022 299,012 171.78
Intergovernmental Charges 245,384 285,384 16.30
Residential & Caretaker Leases 213,983 262,223 22.54
Agricultural Leases 178,576 196,656 10.12
Penalties/Interest: Audit/Compliance 73,424 188,331 156.50
Facility Rentals 118,337 155,075 31.05
Penalties/Interest: Non-Audit 80,825 81,784 1.19
Voice & Sight Dog Tags 77,579 70,723 -8.84
Contributions & Donations 72,655 56,900 -21.68
Special Activity Permits 53,638 47,722 -11.03
Miscellaneous Revenues* 37,297 35,679 -4.34
Energy Efficiency Improvements 10,039 3,860 -61.55
Oil/Gas Leases 2,922 1,411 -51.72
Insurance Proceeds 71,588 212 -99.70
TOTAL $35,908,860 $37,518,184 4.48%
*Miscellaneous revenues include small payments to the Open Space Fund for transactions like refunds.
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The draft 4.48% increase in Open Space Fund revenue in 2023 meets expectations for revenue
forecasts set during the 2024 budget process. While collections are still in draft form, total 2023
revenue collections to date of $37.52M are in line with the $36.66M programmed into the Open Space
Fund for 2023. Additional revenue may be posted to the Open Space Fund as the Finance Department
completes audits and accruals.
There were changes to revenue collections in several categories from 2022 to 2023. Notably, revenues
increased in financial audit categories. Staffing levels increased between those years on the team that
performs audits in the Finance Department. With the ability to perform more audits, the Open Space
Fund received more revenue collections in these categories.
Insurance proceeds also notably decreased from 2022 to 2023. Proceeds are collected from insurance
as contracts and damages are assessed, which vary year to year. OSMP expects to receive additional
insurance proceeds in future years. After assessment of Marshall Fire recovery costs and needs, OSMP
staff partnered with the Finance Department to seek funding through FEMA and insurance proceeds.
Much of the damage sustained could be paid with insurance proceeds, and revenues may be received
in future years. Staff continue to work with FEMA to seek reimbursement for other costs related to
Marshall Fire recovery.
Changing revenues were also seen in the Parking Charges, Facility Rentals, Voice & Sight Dog Tags,
and Special Activity Permits categories. Revenues in these programs will be studied as part of the
OSMP Comprehensive Fee Review. As discussed during the February business meeting, results from
the consultant-led study are expected this summer. OSMP staff will share more information around
these revenue categories in the coming months.
OSMP BUDGET STRUCTURE
This section provides funding and structure reminders as reference as we move through the 2025
budget process. First, OSMP is grateful for the support of the community in passing the 2019 ballot
measure to extend a 0.15 percent sales tax to the Open Space Fund for 20 years. As of 2021, the Open
Space Fund is made up of the following three sales tax increments:
• 0.40 percent sales tax which has no sunset;
• 0.33 percent sales tax which was reduced to 0.22 percent on Jan. 1, 2019, to be reduced to .10
percent Jan. 1, 2035, then exists in perpetuity; and
• 0.15 percent sales tax which expires Dec. 31, 2039.
In addition to revenues collected in the Open Space Fund, the Parks & Recreation Department,
Utilities Department, and OSMP were historically appropriated funds through the Lottery Fund since
2011. The appropriation was managed in alignment with an agreement coordinated by the Finance
Department. As part of that agreement, if revenues shifted significantly or departmental needs
changed, appropriations to departments could change. To utilize the funds in areas of significant need,
the Lottery Fund will no longer be appropriated to departments based on the legacy agreement from
2011 and will be appropriated at the direction of a citywide Executive Budget Team and the City
Manager’s Office. OSMP did not appropriate money from the Lottery Fund in the 2024 budget year
and does not expect to receive Lottery Funds again in the 2025 budget. Staff will inform the OSBT if
that expectation changes.
OSMP staff also serve on a citywide team to allocate dollars from the Climate Tax Fund to priority
projects for wildfire resiliency efforts. The cross-functional city team has started to convene to
determine 2025 needs and staff will update the OSBT throughout the budget process as priorities are
determined.
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The annual budget process seeks to develop a budget that reflects financial realities and upholds our
commitment to stewarding the land system, implements the 2019 OSMP Master Plan, the city’s
Sustainability, Equity & Resilience (SER) Framework, the citywide Strategic Plan, and furthers other
priority commitments. As a reminder, the overall OSMP department budget is made up of:
• Operating Expenditures – The operating budget accounts for core and ongoing service
activities, including day-to-day maintenance and management, safety and enforcement,
monitoring, strategic and resource planning, wildland fire programming, community
engagement and visitor outreach, education and events, media and web services, permitting
and fees management, administrative and financial support, and more. Operating expenditures
include dollars for staff salaries, cost allocation, and non-personnel funding for smaller scale,
less expensive, or more continuous projects and programs related to ecosystem health,
agriculture and water, recreation, and others.
•Debt Service – This includes annual payments of principal and interest related to long-term
debt associated with past land, water, and mineral acquisitions. For OSMP, this includes
general obligation bond issuance and Boulder Municipal Property Authority (BMPA) notes.
• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) – The CIP is an annual updated plan of capital
expenditures that may involve the purchase, construction, or major maintenance of capital
assets. While the city definition primarily focuses on facilities and streets, for OSMP the CIP
is used to support larger scale land management and acquisition efforts across functions and
services. Planning, design, engineering, or architectural fees are often a part of a capital
project.
2025 CAPITAL AND OPERATING BUDGET DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
OSMP continues to utilize the robust work planning system that was outlined during the 2024 budget
process. CIP and operating budgets drive our work plan as a department. OSMP’s cross-functional
leadership team, comprised of the department’s Director, four Deputy Directors, as well as budget and
project planning representatives, has convened to work on prioritizing, ranking, and recommending
2025 CIP projects and operating budget changes to the OSBT. Projects and requests for operating
budget changes were submitted by staff through the work plan system in late 2023 into early 2024, and
draft prioritized recommendations will be included in the May packet to the OSBT. Staff anticipates
that the city’s Finance Department will provide updated out-year revenue projections in advance of the
June OSBT meeting, and these will be used to finalize financial targets for the CIP and operating
budgets. The department will continue to connect and prioritize CIP projects and operating budget
details to Master Plan strategies.
As noted above, OSMP expects slow revenue growth heading into the 2025 fiscal year. The 2025
work plan will still make progress on implementing department approved plans as well as delivering
core service activities supporting the important work required to protect, maintain, and sustain our
open space system. Projects and programs that are a part of the department’s core mission include day-
to-day and capital maintenance of facilities, trailheads and trails; agricultural lands management;
safety and enforcement; ecosystem monitoring, maintenance and restoration; climate resilience,
including wildfire resilience; ongoing strategic property acquisitions; conservation easement
compliance; data management and geographic/mapping information; strategic and resource planning;
community engagement and visitor outreach, education and events; providing media services, web-
based information and social media; permitting and fees management; providing support for the
OSBT; delivering on equity initiatives; and more.
To prepare the 2025 budget, OSMP staff will share budget information with the OSBT across five
meetings and will seek a recommendation for the CIP and operating budget together in July. OSMP
staff discussed strategic budget guidance with the OSBT at the January business meeting. This date is
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incorporated into the annual budget planning calendar. The timeline to discuss 2025 CIP and operating
budget is as follows:
Table 2: 2025 Budget Planning Milestones
Milestone Date
OSBT Strategic Budget Guidance Update January 17
OSBT Draft 2025 Work Plan & Budget Written Update April 10
OSBT Draft 2025 CIP & Operating Budget Introduction May 8
Financial Forecast & Budget Update to City Council May 11
OSBT Draft 2025 CIP & Operating Budget Update June 12
OSBT 2025 CIP & Operating Budget Public Hearing and
Recommendation July 10
Planning Board City CIP Hearing Mid-August TBD
City Council Budget Study Session September 12
City Council Budget Consideration (1st Reading) October 3
City Council Budget Consideration (2nd Reading) October 17
Written Information - Item D - Page 5